Stakeholder-oriented analysis of sustainability challenges in Brazil’s construction sector using a hybrid Lawshe–TOPSIS framework

Purpose This study aims to propose and validate a structure capable of enhancing the insertion of sustainability in the construction sector considering stakeholders, indicators and challenges. Design/methodology/approach The research strategy involved a literature review and a survey of professionals in the civil construction sector working in Brazil. The collected data was processed using a hybrid approach of Lawshe’s methods to validate the challenges and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution to rank the indicators. Both variables make up the validated framework. Findings As a result, the validated framework stands out, which systematically encompasses 4 stakeholders (society, managers, government and entrepreneurs in the sector), 3 challenges to be overcome (the management of waste generated, the use of sustainable materials and the control of waste of water) and 15 indicators (where the most determining factors for sustainability are: the number of sustainable materials, the use of renewable resources and the level of social impact) which, when managed together, can contribute to achieving the insertion of sustainable practices in the construction sector and consequently promote greater sustainability of the activities and operations carried out. Originality/value First, it is worth highlighting using a hybrid approach to quantitative methods in exploratory studies. Furthermore, few studies consider the context of emerging economies about sustainability and sustainable development of the construction sector.